Microsoft opens Windows 8.1 preorders before Oct 18 launch

Microsoft has opened preorders for Windows 8.1, the update coming later in October that's designed to make it easier for people to absorb the radical new interface that arrived with Windows 8.

The software maker will automatically upgrade Windows 8 machines on October 17, the day before Windows 8.1 ships, but now Windows 7 users can pay $120 to order the Windows 8.1 upgrade DVD or a digital download.

Read more at: Microsoft opens Windows 8.1 preorders before Oct. 18 launch | Microsoft - CNET News


See also: Buy Windows 8.1 - Microsoft Store

 

[sygnus21]

Hmmm.... That early buy-in of 39.99 for Win 8 last October doesn't sound so bad now. Well at least the update is free for those who already have 8. And honestly, 120 bucks of an OS isn't bad. Question though, is this for pro?

 

[labeeman]

Nope

Microsoft also will sell Windows 8.1 Pro for $199. The prices are for full versions of the OS, not just upgrades, which means people building their own PC hardware will be able to use them.

 

[sygnus21]

Well that answers that.

I was just curious. I've already got my 8.1 pro disk.

 

[popeye]

Think I'm gonna stick with 8 for awhile. Start Menu 8 is working just fine for me and not ready to switch again so soon, 8 was a big enough shock for a regular non-touch laptop user. Have this working the way I want right now.

 

[sygnus21]

If you already have 8, there's absolutely no reason not to move to 8.1. And though there are some additions here and there, there's really not that much of a difference in operation. Also be aware that 8 is pretty much dead once 8.1 goes live.

 

[popeye]

If you already have 8, there's absolutely no reason not to move to 8.1. And though there are some additions here and there, there's really not that much of a difference in operation. Also be aware that 8 is pretty much dead once 8.1 goes live.

Will I be able to boot to desktop and have the 7 style menu orb in the lower left corner?

Sorry, they will have to pry my mouse out of my cold dead hand. I am old though so probably sooner than later.

 

[sygnus21]

Think I'm gonna stick with 8 for awhile. Start Menu 8 is working just fine for me and not ready to switch again so soon, 8 was a big enough shock for a regular non-touch laptop user. Have this working the way I want right now.

If you already have 8, there's absolutely no reason not to move to 8.1. And though there are some additions here and there, there's really not that much of a difference in operation. Also be aware that 8 is pretty much dead once 8.1 goes live.

Will I be able to boot to desktop and have the 7 style menu orb in the lower left corner?

Sorry, they will have to pry my mouse out of my cold dead hand. I am old though so probably sooner than later.

I'm sorry, I must have missed that Start Orb on Windows 8. Where was it?

Yeah 8.1 doesn't have the Start Orb as well, but it does have a start button, something Win 8 doesn't have.

Anyway to each his own, and I'm not here to sale it so enjoy what you have

 

[popeye]

Thanks for the respect. There are many of us out here that still want old school mouse and desktop and no tiles or whatever you want to call them.

I still say Microsoft should have an option on install that lets the user select Desktop (mouse) or Metro (touch) interface.

 

[PhyllisColeman]

OK! this is really good as i am aware with the fact that win 8.1 is available for free to those who are owning its predecessor version at prior hand .. i am ready to enjoy the update

 

[popeye]

OK! this is really good as i am aware with the fact that win 8.1 is available for free to those who are owning its predecessor version at prior hand .. i am ready to enjoy the update

So you are a tile (touch) person and not a desktop (mouse) person?

It does seem it comes down to that basic question.

Let the war begin! Mousies against Touchies! May the best PC interface win.

 

[sygnus21]

Thanks for the respect. There are many of us out here that still want old school mouse and desktop and no tiles or whatever you want to call them.

LOL, I'm one of them - Neither my desktop nor laptop are touch screen, and I too prefer a mouse & keyboard. Also 8.1 lets you set the OS to start in desktop mode as opposed to the "metro" start screen. Something 8 doesn't have

I not saying the OS is perfect, but I will say it's better 8, as you have more options and customization - such as changing the way the Metro screen looks, which I don't use as I simply hate the metro screen.

Just keeping it real.

 

[jimbo45]

If you already have 8, there's absolutely no reason not to move to 8.1. And though there are some additions here and there, there's really not that much of a difference in operation. Also be aware that 8 is pretty much dead once 8.1 goes live.

absolutely true

Windows 8.1 also lets people optionally boot straight to desktop.

If you have 8 it's a NO BRAINER to get 8.1 - especially as it's a FREE upgrade. W8 will be deprecated (redundant / obsolete) as soon as W8.1 is out to general public.

Cheers
jimbo

 

[alphanumeric]

IMHO 8.1 is all about fixing Metro. In 8.0 Metro is full screen one screen only. In 8.1 it is much more multi monitor friendly. I may actually leave 8.1 on my desktop now instead of rolling back to 7 like I normally do. If you spend most of your time on the traditional desktop 8.1 isn't going to do much for you other than the boot to desktop option. It your already running a third party application to get beck your start menu you are likely already booting to the desktop anyway. I haven't bothered upgrading my Wife's Windows 8 laptop. All she does is Facebook and its running fine so I'll leave it be. I did clean installs on my laptop and main desktop, just to avoid the pitfalls of upgrade installs. So far so good. The pricing looks to in tune with what Windows 7 cost. I'm not sure I personally would pay that though to upgrade any of my Windows 7 desktops to 8 or 8.1. If I didn't have TechNet my desktops would both still be running Windows 7. 7 is an excellent OS for those PC's. 8.1 is free for me anyway as both of my laptops came with Windows 8. 8.1 is nice and I like it but it doesn't have any killer feature that would inspire me to buy it just to upgrade a PC from Windows 7. A month or so ago I would have hunted up Windows 7 for a new desktop build, now though I think I might actually buy Windows 8.1.